Racing isn't everything

Being the wife of a local race driver isn't the easiest thing in the world. In the earlier days when Ringo was still self-funding his racing, the garage at the track would become their temporary home during race season. His wife even had to triple up as the coffee lady, car polisher and cleaner.

Although times are a lot better now, Ringo's work keeps him away from home a lot, leaving limited time with his wife and 22 month-old daughter, Renee.

"I do get lonely occasionally, especially when Renee is still so young and Daddy's missing all her firsts. But I am fully supportive of Ringo - getting to live his childhood dream isn't something that everyone experiences," said Florence, Ringo's understanding wife.

Ringo is looking forward to the Changi Motorsports Hub, scheduled to be ready in 2011.

"I have waited for over 35 years for our own circuit, since the last Singapore GP in 1973. I recently bought a house in Changi in anticipation for it. Now Florence will know why I wasn't interested in any of the houses in other areas!" Ringo revealed gleefully.

He hopes to come home to Singapore and impart his knowledge and expertise to up and coming drivers, "What I'm doing now should be brought to Singapore, as these courses help to educate new drivers about road safety and more. With the circuit at Changi, I can share and teach the new generation of drivers. And hopefully they will fly our flag up high one day."

"I can start with my daughter," chirped Ringo. "I will train her in karting and advanced driving for sure - this will benefit her in becoming a safer driver on the roads. As for racing, I'll leave it up to her."

Asked if his wife would approve of this, he cheekily replied, "She should be ok if it's two against one!"

Ringo Chong
42
Driver training consultant
1985 Singapore National Karting Championship
His father
Having made a name in China as the Singaporean driver trainer

Credits: Story by Cheryl Tay, pictures courtesy of Ringo Chong